Planned Parenthood Medicaid ban mostly for show, only $439 in state funds spent since 2013.

The Mississippi Medicaid program will be banned from spending money with any facility that performs elective abortions under a new law that takes effect July 1.

Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane of Sumrall, the main sponsor of Senate Bill 2238, said Wednesday that the bill is aimed at blocking state tax dollars from going to Planned Parenthood. The organization’s only Mississippi clinic doesn’t do abortions but refers patients to other places abortion is available.

Mississippi Medicaid records show the program has spent $439 total with Planned Parenthood since July 2013. The organization’s clinic in Hattiesburg offers pap smears, birth control and other health services.